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Arsenal set to face Competition from Liverpool for Diego Costa

Liverpool have seemingly made the first move in the pursuit of Arsenal target Diego Costa after the Reds reportedly made a formal approach for the Atletico Madrid striker, according to reports in Mirror.

According to Mirror, both Liverpool and the Gunners are interested in acquiring the services of Costa, although the former have taken a significant step into securing a deal for the player.

The 24-year-old Brazilian has a buyout clause of a reported £21.8 million in his contract with Atletico Madrid and Liverpool have reportedly triggered this clause which allows the player to leave.

Arsene Wenger has been keeping an eye on the Brazilian, who could follow former striking partner Radamel Falcao out of the door at the Vicente Calderon Stadium, with the club having bought David Villa and Leo Baptistao.

Costa had an impressive season in Spain last year, scoring 20 goals and providing 15 assists in all competitions which included being named the top-scorer in the Copa Del Rey

Liverpool’s interest in Costa is likely to have been prompted by the uncertain future of Luis Suarez, who has reportedly set a deadline of next Friday to have his future resolved.

The Brazilian international doesn’t quite have the impressive record of the Falcao in-front of goal, but 10 La Liga strikers in 31 matches last season was a decent tally for a player who generally operates down the flanks.

Costa is capable of playing through the middle, but the forward prefers to work out on the left-wing and run at defenders.Not that the South American is a whippet-like winger, as the attacker has strength and power and is good in the air, as well as not being afraid to track back and put in a tackle.

Diego Costa could play either as the lone striker of as a support player. He would also allow Arsenal the option of switching to play two upfront. If he could dovetail as effectively with Olivier Giroud as he has with Falcao, then he’d be a fantastic addition. His physicality is well-suited to the Premier League.

But with reports suggesting that Liverpool have already put in a bid for the striker, Arsenal should react quickly if they are to have any chance of signing him. It is unclear whether Liverpool are swooping for Costa as a replacement for Suarez or to partner him upfront.

Arsenal were earlier linked with Diego at the start of the transfer window but later moved to other striking targets such as Higuain,Rooney and Suarez but with no deal materializing with them it seems Arsenal will get back to to him.

Even though Diego might not be the marquee signing fans are waiting for but he will however give some sting to the Arsenal front line which is the need of hour for the gunners.